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noellegrace8's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a cute read. It focuses less on the relationship than other Hazelwood's. I appreciated that about it in some ways, but I think I would have given it a higher rating if the plot was something I was a bit more passionate about or could relate to. The chess plot was interesting, but in other Hazelwood novels, she makes you interested in it because of the FMC's love for whatever that focus is.
Some of the past memories of Mallory's, as well as some of the interactions between her and Nolan, were underdeveloped and would benefit from some more attention. But I did like both of their characters and appreciate the chess theme. I also loved that Mallory is a mechanic! But I do question the choice to make it seem as if that job is, by nature, a stepping stone to something better or simply a job that a person gets unhappily thrown into all willy-nilly. Altogether, a solid, fun read.
Some of the past memories of Mallory's, as well as some of the interactions between her and Nolan, were underdeveloped and would benefit from some more attention. But I did like both of their characters and appreciate the chess theme. I also loved that Mallory is a mechanic! But I do question the choice to make it seem as if that job is, by nature, a stepping stone to something better or simply a job that a person gets unhappily thrown into all willy-nilly. Altogether, a solid, fun read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Dementia, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
nafsaila's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book, but it also had a good development of characters. Would recommend to those that enjoy a fast-paced romance. You didn't have to have a deep understanding of chess.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content and Dementia
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Another fun, easy Ali Hazelwood read. I loved seeing a bisexual main character who is comfortable with her sexuality.
I will say that all Hazelwood male characters need to take a class on consent and boundaries. Hanging out with your ex's little sisters after you break up is...weird. Mallory's unbelivable success in the chess world also requires a healthy suspension of disbelief verging on straight up not thinking too much about it. This is also very much not a YA and more of an adult romance with fade to black sex scenes (but sexual themes are extremely present throughout).
With all this said, if you like Hazelwood, this is a fun one.
I will say that all Hazelwood male characters need to take a class on consent and boundaries. Hanging out with your ex's little sisters after you break up is...weird. Mallory's unbelivable success in the chess world also requires a healthy suspension of disbelief verging on straight up not thinking too much about it. This is also very much not a YA and more of an adult romance with fade to black sex scenes (but sexual themes are extremely present throughout).
With all this said, if you like Hazelwood, this is a fun one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity and Car accident
katharina90's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Definitely my favorite Ali Hazelwood to date.
Marketed as YA but is really NA. Well written, loveable characters, and queer rep incl. bi/pan FMC and MMC serving demi/ace vibes.
I almost forgot this was written for a younger audience until the FMC's immaturity escalated towards the end. That was the only thing that annoyed me.
Great audiobook narration.
Marketed as YA but is really NA. Well written, loveable characters, and queer rep incl. bi/pan FMC and MMC serving demi/ace vibes.
I almost forgot this was written for a younger audience until the FMC's immaturity escalated towards the end. That was the only thing that annoyed me.
Great audiobook narration.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Ableism, Chronic illness, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Death of parent
rachelann88's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Very engaging, all my favorite tropes. Wish the pacing at the end was a little different.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexism, and Death of parent
sydapel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I think this is actually Ali Hazelwood's best work, which is perhaps a controversial take and most definitely a surprising one considering how feral Bride and Love, Theoretically made me. But, while those were mostly fun times with a little bit of development thrown in for giggles, this book deals with trauma, sexism and coming of age in what I felt was an extremely effective way. It's the book I would recommend to anyone wanting to see what the Ali Hazelwood hype is all about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexism
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
krandelzhofer's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
LGBTQ+ representation without it being a coming out story
Healthy discussions of sex that aren’t based on shame
Cute story even if unbelievable
Healthy discussions of sex that aren’t based on shame
Cute story even if unbelievable
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
alexxmichelle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really really enjoyed this book! I picked it up cause I like romance but I honestly would have enjoyed it without the romance. This is a weird pull but Nolans dominance reminded me of 2023 Max Verstappen specifically when during the challengers the other players say that they don't even think about beating him cause no one can. Sweet romance, interesting plot, good character development, and I learned a little about chess. Lost a star because I don’t think this should be classified as YA. I would not give this book to anyone under 14. There is no graphic sex but sex is talked about quite a lot and there are some more adult themes. <There is also a third act breakup that felt silly and unnecessary> My inly other critique is that she does tend to use the same basic formula for all her books. But ya know if it works it works cause I (and plenty of other people) eat it up every time. That being said overall a lovely book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, and Mental illness
circe813's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I really didn’t like Mallory. Nolan, however, was lovely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism and Sexual content
sailornina's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Absolutely adored this book! Had to suspend belief for some of the plot points but overall I enjoyed the story and Eldest Daughter™ representation. The interactions between the sisters were hilarious and I was honestly surprised with the amount of graphic language and sex talk for a YA book. The writing style was fun to read but I had to be petty and knock of .5 stars for the use of “AF” unironically and too many pop culture references
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Dementia, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexism and Car accident